Iran; Venezuela: Democratic transition and regional stability; Ukraine, NATO and Arctic security: Europe’s strategic choices; Common sense conversations about migration; Keeping air passenger rights robust; Europe’s response to drone warfare; Critical Medicines Act; Hurdles to the ratification and implementation of the European Electoral Act; 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union; Financial stability: Strengthening resilience in uncertain times; The 28th Regime: A new legal framework for innovative companies; Cyprus Council presidency; European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure; Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

Iran: ECR calls for solidarity with protesters and tougher EU stance

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate recent events in Iran, where authorities have responded with massive force to nationwide protests that erupted in recent weeks. Since late December 2025, protests have spread across hundreds of cities, driven by economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and broader social grievances. Participants include women, students, workers, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. Independent monitoring groups report that at least 2,550 people — including children, protesters, and bystanders — have been killed, while tens of thousands have been detained, tortured, or otherwise persecuted. Authorities have systematically suppressed protests through lethal force, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on digital communications, and punitive measures against civilians exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and belief. Religious minorities, particularly Christian converts, have been prosecuted for peaceful worship or participation in house churches. Iran’s foreign policy, including deepening military and strategic cooperation with Russia, refusal to comply with international non-proliferation commitments, and sanctions evasion, has further heightened regional instability and undermined EU security and economic interests. The ECR Group expresses solidarity with those demonstrating in Iran, demanding freedom, justice, and basic rights in the face of growing repression. We underline that the ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted societal demands and must not be silenced through violence, intimidation, or information blackouts. Finally, the ECR Group reiterates its call for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be designated as a terrorist organisation. A resolution will be put to vote on Thursday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 15:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Venezuela: Democratic transition and regional stability

On Tuesday the European Parliament will hold a debate on the situation in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States. The ECR Group recalls that Maduro’s former regime lacked democratic legitimacy and that the Venezuelan people have repeatedly expressed their desire for freedom, democracy and constitutional order. The capture of Maduro is already producing positive effects, including the release of political prisoners and unjustly detained citizens, among them Europeans. The ECR Group will underline that the priority now must be to work towards a peaceful transition that restores freedom, democracy and prosperity, including through free elections as soon as possible. Latin America is a strategic region for Europe. The Group will call for closer cooperation with partner governments that share a clear commitment to combating organised crime and pursuing foreign policies aligned with European interests. It will also stress the importance of using this moment to weaken the Cuban regime’s grip on the region, given its continued dependence on Venezuelan resources.

Debate: Tuesday @ 17:00

Ukraine, NATO and Arctic security: Europe’s strategic choices

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will hold its key debate on the European Council conclusions, covering a broad range of strategic issues, including continued EU support for Ukraine and Europe’s security posture. Despite differing views among Member States, the EU has maintained its support for Ukraine on the basis of a solution with a solid legal and financial foundation, with Russian assets remaining frozen and work ongoing on a reparations loan based on the proceeds of immobilised assets. The debate will also address Europe’s strategic direction in an increasingly unstable global environment. The ECR Group will underline that NATO remains the cornerstone of European security and that EU defence efforts must be fully complementary to NATO, avoiding duplication and ensuring efficient use of resources, while strengthening the ability of European nations to act decisively together when necessary. On Greenland and Arctic security, the ECR supports the joint statement issued on 6 January by several European leaders, focusing on security within the NATO framework and respecting Greenland’s right to self-determination.

When: Wednesday @ 9:00

Common sense conversations about migration

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will debate restoring control over migration, with discussions centred on returns, visa policy, and cooperation with third countries. For too long, Europe has struggled with ineffective return policies, weak external border controls, and insufficient cooperation with countries of origin and transit. The ECR Group has consistently called for a firm but fair approach: protecting those genuinely in need of asylum, while decisively tackling illegal migration and abuse of the system. The current discussions show that ideological approaches have failed in the past. For the ECR, an effective migration policy must be based on speed, clarity, and enforceability, combined with effective returns, innovative solutions, and structured cooperation with third countries.

Debate: Wednesday @ 13:30

Keeping air passenger rights robust

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will hold a debate on updated EU rules on air passenger rights, covering compensation and assistance in cases of flight delays and cancellations. The ECR Group supports the cross-party compromise and opposes attempts to weaken existing protections, such as raising the delay threshold for compensation. ECR amendments have focused on practical improvements for travellers, including simpler access to compensation, guarantees that children can sit next to their parents at no extra cost, and the continued availability of paper boarding passes to prevent digital exclusion. The Group argues that passenger rights must be enforceable in practice and accessible to all citizens. A vote will take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Tuesday @ 14:00

Vote: Wednesday @ 12:00

Europe’s response to drone warfare

On Thursday morning the European Parliament will debate and vote on a report on military drones and counter-drone capabilities, addressing one of the fastest-growing security threats facing Europe. The text responds to the expanding use of drones in modern warfare, surveillance and attacks on critical infrastructure, and calls for European production capacity, joint procurement and faster deployment of counter-drone systems. Drafted under the ECR rapporteurship of Reinis Pozņaks, the report also strengthens protection of critical infrastructure, civil-defence preparedness and EU–NATO cooperation. It has attracted very broad political support in Parliament, with only the far left expected to oppose, reflecting a shared recognition that Europe must adapt quickly to this new security reality.

Debate: Thursday @ 9:00

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Critical Medicines Act

On Monday evening, the European Parliament will debate the framework to strengthen the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products. In March 2025, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on critical medicines. The general objective of the Critical Medicines Act (CMA) is to strengthen security of supply and improve the availability of critical medicines within the EU. These are medicines for which no appropriate alternative exists and for which shortages would result in serious harm to patients. The Regulation also seeks to improve the availability and accessibility of certain medicines of common interest—such as treatments for rare diseases—where market mechanisms alone do not sufficiently ensure patient access. The EU’s growing reliance on external suppliers, particularly India and China, for critical ingredients has weakened its domestic manufacturing capacity. The Regulation therefore aims to facilitate investment in EU-based production of critical medicines and key ingredients. The ECR Group welcomes this report as it provides a balanced framework to prevent and address medicine shortages, reduce strategic dependencies, and strengthen the resilience of the EU pharmaceutical supply chain.

Debate: Monday @ 19:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Hurdles to the ratification and implementation of the European Electoral Act

On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on an own-initiative concerning the reform of the European Electoral Act. The report argues for further “Europeanisation” of elections to the European Parliament and calls for the harmonisation of various electoral rules. The ECR Group opposes this report, as it would undermine the principle of subsidiarity. The report shifts decision-making powers from Member States to the EU level and strengthens European political parties at the expense of national democratic accountability. In the view of the ECR Group, these proposals go beyond what is necessary, interfere with national constitutional competences, and risk weakening rather than strengthening democracy in Europe.

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union

On Wednesday afternoon, the European Parliament will hold a formal sitting to mark the 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union. The event commemorates the signing of the 1985 Accession Treaty, which led to the entry of both countries into the European Communities in 1986. His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain and Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, will address the European Parliament, reflecting on forty years of EU membership and the experience of Spain and Portugal within the Union.

Formal Sitting: Wednesday @ 12:00 - 12:30

Financial stability: Strengthening resilience in uncertain times

On Monday evening, ECR Rapporteur Johan van Overtveldt will present an own-initiative report to safeguard and promote financial stability amid economic uncertainties. The compact and pragmatic report addresses key sources of financial risk, from geopolitical instability and market shocks to the growing role of non-bank financial institutions. Drawing lessons from past financial crises, the report sets out safeguards to strengthen resilience, improve shock absorption and reinforce Europe’s competitiveness, including through deeper capital market integration and better mobilisation of private investment. It also underlines the importance of central bank independence as a cornerstone of financial stability, while insisting that the ECB remain focused on its core mandate of price stability. The vote takes place on Tuesday.

Presentation: Monday @ 21:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

The 28th Regime: A new legal framework for innovative companies

On Monday evening, the European Parliament will debate a legislative-initiative report with recommendations to the European Commission on the design of the 28th Regime. The proposal aims to create a new, optional legal framework intended to help innovative small and medium-sized companies, start-ups, and growing businesses operate more easily across the European Union. In May 2025, the Commission announced its intention to develop the 28th Regime initiative as part of its start-up and scale-up strategy. The idea is to offer companies a voluntary alternative to national rules. Instead of having to deal with different legal systems in each Member State, eligible companies could choose this single EU-level regime, which would be recognised in all EU countries. Companies would be able to register digitally, with a minimum share capital of one euro. The proposal does not change national tax rules, which would remain the responsibility of Member States. The ECR Group supports this proposal as a practical, business-friendly solution that respects national competences while helping European companies grow, scale up, and remain competitive. By reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and improving legal certainty, the 28th Regime can support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the EU. A vote will take place on Tuesday.

Debate: Monday @ 17:00

Vote: Tuesday @ 12:00

Cyprus Council presidency

The ECR Group will contribute to the debate on the Cypriot Council presidency’s programme when it is presented to the European Parliament on Tuesday. On security and defence, we expect the Presidency to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation, improve military mobility and advance a more credible European defence posture. On migration, Cyprus’s experience underlines the urgent need for effective external border control, enhanced cooperation with third countries and efficient return mechanisms. On Ukraine, the ECR Group calls on the Cypriot Presidency to maintain the EU’s firm political, military and financial support for Ukraine, in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finally, we expect a strong focus on competitiveness, regulatory simplification and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, so that Europe can reduce unnecessary burdens and strengthen its economic base.

Debate: Tuesday @ 10:30

European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure

On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on an own-initiative report on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure. While the EU has strong research capabilities and a dynamic ecosystem of innovative companies, it remains heavily reliant on foreign providers in key areas such as cloud services, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital communications. The report highlights the need for Europe to strengthen its capacity to design, develop, produce, and protect its own digital infrastructure, including data centres, high-performance and quantum computing, cybersecurity systems, and communication networks. The text calls for increased investment in research and innovation, with a stronger role for private investment alongside public support. It underlines the importance of reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, improving access to finance for European technology companies, and making better use of public procurement to support strategic European industries. It also stresses the need to protect critical infrastructure, both on land and in space, and to ensure secure data storage within the EU. The ECR Group supports this text as it clearly identifies the main vulnerabilities affecting Europe’s strategic infrastructure and puts forward practical recommendations to achieve technological sovereignty based on competitiveness and the protection of strategic markets.

Vote: Thursday @ 12:00

Press briefing with ECR Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini Patryk Jaki

The ECR Group will hold a press briefing with Co-Chairs Nicola Procaccini (IT) and Patryk Jaki (PL) on Tuesday, 20 January, at 10:20 in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Strasbourg. The briefing will provide an opportunity to discuss the key priorities and positions of the ECR Group. Follow the livestream here.

When: Tuesday @ 10:20

Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, N -1/201

Journalists can join via interactio: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582